TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A researcher from Desert Research Institute, Sarath Guttikunda, stated that the pollution in Jakarta and the regions in its vicinity caused 260,000 people to get infected with respiratory problems and hospitalized 85,000 people each year. The numbers were the result of a research that was conducted from 2012-2015. “It has an increased tendency,” she said on Tuesday, January 24, 2017.

Sarath stated that North Jakarta has the highest level of pollution. The particle content at the region reaches 125 µg/m³ (microgram per cubic meter). It exceeds the safety limit by 10-25 µg/m³.

Sarath explained that North Jakarta’s pollution peaks at the Port of Tanjung Priok and the border between North and West Jakarta. Heavy traffic congestion in the area acts as the major contributor for its air pollution level. Industrial emission is the second largest contributor.

Deputy Head of Jakarta’s Environmental Services, Ali Maulana Hakim, agrees that the region does have a high level of air pollution. Industry is the main attraction for other people outside of the region. Which increased the growth of illegal settlements and at the same time depleted green open spaces.

Ali said that state officials will issue a Governor Regulation that would require an emission test for every type of motorized vehicle. Current emission tests only apply to public transportation and it isn’t mandatory. “Later on, emission tests will be conducted together with kir test or the renewal of vehicle registration (STNK).

This Governor regulation will also mandate government’s operational vehicles to be powered by gas. There are already at least 1,200 trucks that’s shifted its powers source to gas. Officials will also prepare the 2018 budget to purchase fuel convertors intended for operational heavy machineries.

LINDA HAIRANI